It is also about more than the fortunes of Liverpool Football Club, the city's biggest brand and one of its most important companies.

It is, in fact, about a new beginning.

Because this is about kickstarting the biggest regeneration scheme ever to take shape in north Liverpool.

And it is about helping to transform the lives of tens of thousands of people who, for too long, have been the losers in the Merseyside regeneration game.

Liverpool FC's plan for a new stadium will lead to new homes, new jobs, new community and sports facilities and new opportunities.

Today, as the consultation process nears its conclusion, the ECHO throws its weight behind the plan.

And we believe the whole city should do the same.

It is clear that the dream of a Wembley on the Mersey - a shared stadium between the Reds and Blues - is over. Everton's board does not appear to be able to find the funds for even half a stadium.

Liverpool's own stadium plan must progress speedily.

Because the gap between the haves and have-nots in the Premier-ship grows ever wider.

Two things need to happen to ensure the Liverpool plan is a success, not just for the club but also for the people of Anfield.

One is that there are no further delays to an already tight timetable.

Construction work on the ground is due to begin in May, with the first match being played at the beginning of the 2006/07 season.

Any delays could lead to rising costs on the stadium itself, as well as the associated regeneration work which will do much to improve the surrounding area.

The second thing which needs to happen is that the Northwest Development Agency must agree - quickly - to release the estimated #40m of public money which will help to finance the redevelopment of the old Anfield site and the associated infrastructure projects which are essential for the overall regeneration of the area.

The stadium plan alone is not enough. New community facilities, including a college and transport improvements, are also essential.

Because, in an area where unemployment runs at between 200% and 300% the national average, the regeneration of the whole community has to be a priority.

The new ground will bring with it an estimated #38m of spending in Anfield and the wider city.

That doesn't include cash spent in the actual stadium.

It will also bring with it some 340 full time jobs - plus scores of spin-off service industry jobs in the wider local economy.

But the opinions of the people of Anfield must also be heard.

They have no grand agenda or expensive demands.

They simply want to be reassured that some of the millions being spent will directly benefit their community and their children.

And they deserve reassurances about some very straightforward concerns. Will traffic and parking be managed properly? Will there be jobs and opportunities for all? Will the streets be clean and safe?

The plan is imaginative and - when all is said and done - the best choice for Anfield as a whole.

If Liverpool Football Club and its partners get these things right, everyone will be winners - both on and off the pitch.